Indian Economic Service
Indian Statistical Service Examination, 2023
How can Smart City Mission address the socio-economic and environmental issues in urban India ?
The Smart City Mission in India is a visionary and ambitious initiative launched by the Government of India in 2015 to transform and modernize the urban landscape across the country. Its primary goal is to make cities more livable, sustainable, and efficient, addressing a wide range of socio-economic and environmental issues in the process.
Let’s delve into how the Smart City Mission can address these issues in detail:
A) Infrastructure Development:
Transportation:
The Smart City Mission aims to improve urban mobility through the development of efficient public transportation systems, including metros, buses, and last-mile connectivity options, through the development of efficient public transportation systems. Traffic congestion and air pollution can be reduced by this, leading to better health for citizens as well as a cleaner environment.
Water Supply and Sanitation:
The urban areas of India could be improved if water supply and sewage systems were improved in order to improve the living conditions for residents, reducing the risk of health problems and the burden of waterborne diseases.
As a result, sanitation would improve, and public health would improve. It would also lead to a reduction in pollution in urban areas, which would in turn result in a better air quality and fewer environmental issues.
B) Energy Efficiency:
Renewable Energy:
There are many Smart Cities in India that are encouraged to use renewable energy sources like solar power in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as make cities more resilient to power shortages and price fluctuations due to the fact that solar energy is not just an inexpensive and reliable source of energy, but also a more reliable source.
Solar energy can also be used to power a wide range of urban services such as lighting, transportation, and water systems.
Smart Grids:
By implementing a smart grid system, we can help improve the efficiency of energy distribution, reduce losses, and encourage energy conservation, which in turn contributes to addressing the environmental issues of urban India as a result of the Smart City Mission.
C) Waste Management:
Waste Segregation:
Recycling and composting are promoted in smart cities. This can reduce the number of wastes sent to landfills, minimize pollution, and create jobs in the recycling sector. Using eco-friendly products and promoting sustainable practices are other ways Smart Cities encourage citizens to use.
In this way, emissions can be reduced and a sustainable future can be ensured. Technology can also assist Smart Cities in monitoring waste management and tracking sustainability progress.
Waste-to-Energy:
By converting waste into electricity or heat, Smart Cities reduce landfill dependence and produce cleaner energy. This type of energy production is known as ‘energy from waste’ or ‘waste-to-energy’. As a result of burning municipal waste to generate steam, electricity or heat can be generated.
D) Environmental Sustainability:
Green Spaces:
As part of the mission, parks and green spaces are created and preserved within cities. This improves the quality of life and helps to reduce air pollution and urban heat islands. As well as providing habitat for wildlife, parks and green spaces also help restore natural balance in otherwise urbanized environments.
Furthermore, they provide recreation opportunities for city residents, such as sports, fitness, picnics, and nature walks.
Urban Forests:
Creating urban forests and planting more trees will combat air pollution, sequester carbon, and provide habitat for wildlife, as well as reduce noise pollution, shade urban areas, and create a sense of community. We can build more resilient and livable cities through urban forests, which are an integral part of sustainable cities.
E) Economic Growth and Job Creation:
Digital Infrastructure:
Digital infrastructure, such as high-speed internet and e-governance systems, fosters innovation and entrepreneurship in smart cities. As a result of this infrastructure, cities become more efficient and liveable by interconnecting services and systems, such as transportation, health, and education. Moreover, digital infrastructure enables cities to improve services and develop new opportunities.
Skill Development:
Smart City Missions often include skill development programs to offer citizens job opportunities in a variety of fields. Citizens are provided with technical knowledge and soft skills training through these programs, making them more employable.
In addition to educating citizens about the use of digital tools and resources, these programs emphasize digital literacy and technological literacy.
F) Social Inclusion and Quality of Life:
Accessible Infrastructure:
In smart cities, accessible infrastructure is prioritized, which benefits the elderly and those with disabilities. There are also tactile paving and visual cues in accessible infrastructure, which help those with visual impairments navigate. These include ramps and elevators. Additionally, audible pedestrian signals are also important for those with hearing impairments.
Healthcare and Education:
Human development and well-being are improved by improved healthcare facilities and educational institutions. The investment in healthcare and education is essential for the reduction of poverty and inequality. This leads to improved quality of life and improved economic growth. Healthcare and education are essential to sustainable development.
G) Data-Driven Decision-Making:
Smart City Command Centers:
By collecting data from different sources, these centers enable city authorities to make informed decisions regarding transportation, urban planning, disaster response, and so on. Cities can make more efficient and sustainable decisions by analyzing this data and identifying trends and insights that help them anticipate, plan, and respond to challenges.
H) Sustainable Urban Planning:
Mixed-Use Development:
By promoting mixed-use developments, we reduce traffic congestion and emissions as well as encouraging more pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. As a result, public health outcomes can be improved and people have access to amenities like grocery stores and parks. Also, mixed-use developments can create vibrant public spaces that attract businesses.
Compact Urban Design:
By concentrating development in a compact manner, land is conserved, walkability and public transportation are promoted. As a result, traffic congestion, air pollution, and energy consumption are reduced, as well as healthier and more active lifestyles are encouraged, and social interaction is enhanced.
I) Community Engagement:
Citizen Participation:
Through the Smart City Mission, citizens are encouraged to take part in urban planning and governance, enabling the development to align with the needs and aspirations of the locals. By leveraging technology, innovation, and data-driven decisions, this mission aims to create cities that are inclusive, accessible, and sustainable.
J) Resilience to Climate Change:
Disaster Preparedness:
With climate-related challenges on the rise, smart cities are focusing on disaster management and resilience. In a smart city, natural disasters, like floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes, are reduced through technology.
In addition to utilizing data to inform disaster preparation decisions, they use it to minimize the impact when disasters do occur. Moreover, Smart Cities can provide residents with disaster preparation resources and early warning systems.
With the Smart City Mission in India, a wide range of socio-economic and environmental issues will be addressed by promoting sustainable urban development, efficient resource management, economic growth, and community well-being, among other things.
By using innovative technologies, careful planning, and citizen involvement, it creates more resilient, inclusive, and environmentally friendly cities, improving the quality of life of its citizens.
MBA,BBA.
I am Smirti Bam, an enthusiastic edu blogger with a passion for sharing insights into the dynamic world of business and management through this website.
I hold a MBA degree from Presidential Business School, Kathmandu, and a BBA degree with a specialization in Finance from Apex College,
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